After the Vietnam War, many Hmong people found themselves as refugees. The resettlement of some to the United States began in 1975, with multiple waves continuing until 2006. Today Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to the largest urban Hmong population in the world. The Hmong people in Minnesota have developed a strong and vibrant community in their chapter of the immigrant story in America.
June 22, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles local Hmong pop-rock group Asian Invasion. Roberts interviews members of the band, who describe their varied influences and cultural subject matter in songs.
June 28, 1991 - MPR’s profiles Choua Lee, a Hmong woman running for the St. Paul School Board. Lee says her main concerns are minority students, in particular the grouping of these students into separate tracks in curriculum. She also sees the need for Hmong parents to be more active greater community decisions.
July 5, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts gets an education on the events, sports, products, and foods at the Minnesota Hmong Summer Festival held in St. Paul. The event looks to bring Hmong people from around the country together to celebrate their culture and community.
July 15, 1991 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on a rural resettlement program for Hmong in Minnesota. Some Hmong see rural Minnesota communities as a better environment than the Twin Cities. Smith interviews Hmong participating in program, local residents, and Lao Family Community officials.
November 6, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Choua Lee after she wins seat on Saint Paul School Board. Lee discusses her desire to focus on bilingual studies, ESL programs, and parental involvement.
December 13, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Chris Thao, the first Hmong attorney in the United States. Thao recollects his path to Minnesota and shares his desire to utilize his practice in helping to build a future for Hmong in the country.
April 6, 1992 - On this segment of Worldview, MPR’s Kate Smith profiles Mai Vang, a young Hmong woman working to support her parents and siblings in Rosemount, Minnesota.
May 30, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Ying Vang, who has become the first Hmong priest ordained in the United States. Vang shares his goal to provide comfort to those in Hmong community, as well as bringing together Hmong and Catholic beliefs.
June 12, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the concerns in community on the challenges that Hmong youth face, including a growing gang environment. Roberts speaks with a group of youth, police officials, and Hmong advocates about the issues young people face and the fears of community members.
August 4, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts visits University of St. Thomas, where Hmong youth are experiencing the sport of tennis. The hope is the sport will be an avenue for young Hmong boys and girls to be active. Whacking the ball is a ‘hit.’